A set of restrictions will be implemented at the “pinch point” car park at Manchester Arndale
05:57, 19 Nov 2025Updated 11:47, 20 Nov 2025
Cars were stuck inside the car park (Image: @jamesdestafford / TikTok)
A one-way system will be introduced until Christmas to prevent motorists getting stuck in the Arndale car park. The move comes as the city gears up for another busy festive period.
Last weekend, shoppers using the car park just off Shudehill reported ‘absolutely mad scenes’ as hundreds of drivers were seen trapped inside the multi-storey building.
A post on TikTok indicated shoppers were ‘stuck for hours’ as horns could be heard blaring in frustration.
Described as a “pinch point” by the council, the car park is known for major delays. Back in 2022, police were drafted in after shoppers complained of being trapped for four hours.
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Now, the council say that a number of restrictions will be in place for motorists wanting to use the car park starting this weekend and will last for every weekend until Christmas.
The new rules will see a one-way system implemented with no right turns in and out of the car park from Withy Grove.
The M.E.N. understands that this same system was introduced last year and will be deployed once again.
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Furthermore, parking patrols and GMP support will also be in place around the city during Christmas to make sure the roads are “flowing as smoothly as possible.”
A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: “As we approach the festive period the city centre is expected to become increasingly busy which is why we’d recommend first and foremost, trying to leave the car at home if you can and take advantage of the excellent public transport links in and out of Manchester.
“More often than not it will be a cheaper and faster alternative to driving.
“There are also a number of park-and-ride schemes operated by TfGM to support people who may not live close to a public transport hub. Information on these can be found on the TfGM website.
“At the Arndale car park specifically we know this is a pinch point during the Christmas period. Which is why, starting this weekend, and for every weekend up to Christmas, a number of restrictions will be in place for people wanting to use the car park.
“To get into the Arndale car park a one-way system will be in place, with no right turns permitted into and out of the car park from Withy Grove.
“A diversion will be in place that will effectively creates a one-way system for motorists, preventing long tail backs caused when motorists become blocked in due to an inability to safely leave the carpark.
“Finally, additional parking patrols and GMP enforcement will be in place around the city throughout the Christmas period to ensure that the roads are flowing as smoothly as possible.”